SPAN 418 The Evolution of Spanish

Why do Spanish speakers say el arte but las artes? Why is mano feminine but día masculine? Why do some dialects use vos tenés instead of tú tienes? This course explores these and other puzzles of Spanish, tracing how sounds, words, and grammar have shifted across history and how change shapes today’s diverse varieties. Students will analyze data, study language contact, and connect linguistic evolution to issues of identity and justice. By the end, you’ll not only understand how Spanish came to be but also develop a sharper eye (and ear) for the living history behind today's language.